Thousands allowed to return home as firefighters make gains on wildfire near Palm Springs

7/22/2013

ASSOCIATED PRESS

IDYLLWILD, Calif. — A Southern California wildfire that destroyed seven homes and threatened the mountain town of Idyllwild is sluggish after a thunderstorm.

Lee Meyer of the U.S. Forest Service says the fire above Palm Springs didn't move overnight and crews are concentrating today on surrounding it on ridges thousands of feet up in the San Jacinto Mountains.

The blaze is now 68 percent contained.

Thousands of evacuees were allowed back home Sunday as a thunderstorm dumped up to 2 inches of rain on portions of the 42½-square-mile fire.

Meyer says more storms are expected — but along with rain they could bring a chance of floods, lightning and mudslides. Crews are having to watch out for possible falling trees.

Copyright 2015 The Blade. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission.